UFC in New York?

November 11, 2008

The UFC sent out a pointed press release yesterday directed toward the empty of pockets New York State budgeters, outlining just how much money they are potentially missing out on by not sanctioning Mixed Martial Arts.

The release highlighted findings of a recently-published economic study on the impact of MMA in New York City and Buffalo. Cutting right to the chase, they threw out terms like "net new economic spending" and tantalized money-starved representatives with figures in excess of $10 million.

It's no secret that the economic times are tough are right now. Just this week, three stock brokers were lost when gaping holes opened up on Wall Street and swallowed them whole. What you might not know, however, is that the New York State Government has been running on empty for quite some time now. Balancing the budget and finding much-needed funds has arguably been Governor Paterson's most daunting task since inheriting the reigns from promiscuous Eliot Spitzer earlier this year. He has called for drastic measures from Washington as well as his own assembly to help find a solution to the State's problems but, thus far, to no avail.

New York has been a long-time opponent of MMA, but in these dire times money can be a powerful motivator and quotes like the following will lead us to believe the rusty wheels may finally be turning.

"In recent years, mixed martial arts has evolved from its beginnings into a more reformed, organized and regulated sport worthy of our review for sanctioning consideration in New York State," said New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, according to UFC.com.

Though it may be a little early to start writing out excuses to tell your wife about why you need to be there for the UFC's inaugural fight at Madison Square Garden, it's encouraging to note that governmental resistance is waning.

New York has been a huge obstacle in the way of UFC's success, and it's not unfair to say that a victory here could represent one of the most crucial advances in the company's storied history.